News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE promotes interfaith co-operation
Publishing date: 3 December 2020
The State Commission on Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic held the 4th International Conference titled "Islam in a Modern Secular State: Experience of Interfaith Co-operation", on 26 November 2020, in partnership with the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.
Lack of hate crime recording means victims and their needs too often remain invisible, OSCE’s human rights office says
Publishing date: 16 November 2020
WARSAW, 16 November 2020 – With the publication of its annual Hate Crime Report on today’s International Day for Tolerance, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) underscores the need for police to record hate crimes in order to ensure that victims are recognized and receive the support they so urgently need...
OSCE conference throws a spotlight on freedom of religion or belief in the digital age
Publishing date: 9 November 2020
VIENNA/WARSAW, 9 November 2020 – As freedom of religion or belief comes increasingly under pressure, the need to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technologies and at the same time minimize the dangers they pose is becoming ever more important. This topic is the focus of the OSCE’s final human rights conference of the year, beginning today...
Head of OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina concludes visit to Mostar and Stolac
Publishing date: 24 September 2020
Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) concluded her two-day visit to Mostar and Stolac on 24 September 2020. Over the course of the visit, she discussed preparations for local elections, to be held later in the autumn, as well as the Mission’s continuous support in promoting inter-religious dialogue in the country...
OSCE Mission to BiH supports a sitting volleyball tournament in Maglaj
Publishing date: 19 September 2020
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) supported Maglaj Municipality in organizing a sitting volleyball tournament on 19 September 2020 in Maglaj...
The power of digital technologies must be harnessed to counter hatred based on religion or belief, ODIHR says
Publishing date: 21 August 2020
WARSAW, 21 August 2020 – On the eve of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) calls for better use to be made of the advantages that digital technologies can offer, as well as a greater emphasis on countering hatred online...
Impact of emergency measures on human rights and democracy key focus of new OSCE/ODIHR report
Publishing date: 17 July 2020
WARSAW, 17 July 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has been a formative experience for all humanity and a health emergency of global proportions, presenting a huge challenge to national leaders, health systems, and citizens. The findings of a new report by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) shows that it has also been a test to our democracies and the respect for human rights to which countries across the OSCE committed many years ago.